HOUSEHOLDERS whose homes were flooded in the Boxing Day deluge, are to get a helping hand.

A fundraising evening of entertainment is to be held in Earby New Road Community Centre to raise cash for families washed out of their houses in Victoria Road, Albion Road and Albion Street.

Helping spearhead the rescue campaign is Kate Metcalfe and friends Jessica Caroline, Claire McGlasham and 16-year-old Earby youth councillor Josh Connor.

About 40 families escaped their flooded homes on Boxing Day and were sheltered in Earby Community Centre, where they were fed and kept warm and dry, some people remaining overnight and others accepting accommodation from elsewhere.

"It was a catastrophe. There were young mums with families and elderly people. We even helped someone visiting from Teeside whose car had been flooded, "said Kate.

Local people had to rally round and donations of food and clothing had been plentiful, including supplies of sand from Merritt & Fryers in Skipton, Wolfendens in Earby and Earby Co-op.

The fundraiser - a Christmas and New Year themed party - will take place next Saturday, January 23, from 7pm.